When I was 16, I worked at Albert whittled airport with Justin. We became solid friends and started hanging out after work, and going fishing. That summer, probably 2001 or 2002, we worked out a deal with our friends father to allow us to take the families 38’ boat to the keys. On our own. Myself, Justin, Martin and Matt all worked very hard for months to get the boat ready, study our travel route and overnight anchoring locations, etc. when summer arrived we were ready and the boat was in perfect working order. Before we knew it we were steaming south to the keys, three 17 year olds, and Justin was 18.
After one night of cruising we started having engine problems in Naples. Had to dock and find parts to fix our power steering. Justin knew a lot about operating systems and was able to assist in getting us back on the water. Late in the evening of day 3 we finally arrived off marathon. We could not wait for sun up so we could start diving for lobster, and fishing. When we woke up in the morning we had a coast guard cutter sitting close to us a scoping out our boat. We got boarded and the coast guard crew was baffled that 3 teenagers had motored all the way down from St. Pete. The coast guard actually was blown away with how organized we were and they couldn’t find anything wrong with our vessel or safety equipment. That day we got our limit of lobster, and caught a wide variety of fish. We cooked our catches for dinner and kicked back and relaxed. It was pure paradise.
The next few days we did the same thing. We went diving and fished as much as possible. We dodged some storms, and simply had fun. One of the days we were once again boarded by coast guard. These guys were not having a good day and ended up arguing one of our lobsters were undersized, and unfortunately since Justin was 18 he was issued the citation. We laughed it off and continued through our remaining adventure.
This trip was truly the most monumental thing I had done in my life. It was a hell of an undertaking. It took a lot of hard work. But I’m the end, it was the most amazing trip in the world. That trip with Justin is something I will never forget. Justin and I lost touch as we grew up and found our career paths and started families. I regret that. He was such an amazing guy. He is genuinely missed.
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My stepfather and Uncle Kyle have always loved boats. I think that’s where Justin got his love for them as well.
We were out on my Uncle Kyle’s boat one weekend when we were caught in a really terrible storm. We tried to find a safe place to dock and hide from the hail that was hitting all of us like BB’s. When we did find a dock, a lady was yelling No, No, No… well, she just had it painted and sealed it, both my stepdad and my uncle had red feet getting back on the boat.
I just remember all of us trying to stay under the Bimini top and Justin started crying because he had to pee. My aunt Deb told him to go over the edge and Justin immediately got stage fright… I still remember that and will never forget him being my baby cousin. I miss him and the family immensely.
I know he’s flying high and diving deep, keeping an eye out on his children and Francesca.
GBNF ❤️
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My eyes filled up with tears as I heard the news.
It never occurred to me how much I could lose.
I find myself wishing that it wasn't real.
Every time I think about it, pain is all I can feel.
Tears fall from my eyes; I can barely see..
It gives me comfort you have your wings.
You are an angel.
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Little buddy my heart is broken forever, I’ve never cried so much, I would give 20 years of my life to have you back for even if it was only for a day, I remember when we went lobstering in your Whaoo, it was so rough waves were coming over every side of your boat, I can remember your little bilge pump ran all day in auto mode, we were laughing our butts off, but we caught lobster and we didn’t sink the boat, Father Time is a mofo, he always wins, he’s unbeatable, I found that out, and everyday the demons hunt me, and I will never have enough time to make things right. I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye, because if I would have I probably would be in worse shape, if some of the stuff we believe in is true, I hope I get to say that last sentence or word to you, and it will be short and sweet. It will go something like this, I love you buddy, and I’ve missed you , and will forever miss you if we never see each other again. Your buddy Mikey!!!!
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Justin oddly we always seemed to live close to each other either st.pete or Seminole. I remember 15 years ago my boat caught fire and you picked it up to fix it, while driving through the neighborhood to your house around the corner we went over a speed bump and some how that old boat’s gas tank broke and leaked all over your front yard we cursed that thing for a hour while we emptied every bucket you had in your garage so gas didn’t go everywhere. Lol, though we weren’t close friends I considered you as one. The pain you went through and your family just makes me sad. I was excited to see your family move so close to me this time, I thought we would hang a bit, but sadly it didn’t work out as I had thought it. As many others, I will always be there for the Campana family if needed. You will be missed.
Your friend,
Bryan
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